Eagles full mock draft: second day pick pivotal for team’s future

The 2016 NFL Draft is fast upon us. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in all seven rounds. Or, five rounds as the Eagle flies.

Day One

Round One – Pick 2 Overall

Carson Wentz (or Jared Goff)! We know what’s happening here, and it’s been discussed ad nauseam. You’re either excited or you’re Sam Bradford, either way the Eagles will be drafting a quarterback, and it will be the quarterback that the Los Angeles Rams do not take number one overall.

Day Two

Round Three – Pick 79 Overall

This pick could go in two directions. The Eagles have some areas of need that, because of their trade up to number two, will desperately need addressing in the draft. Namely, running back and offensive line, though cornerback isn’t too far away. For running backs, someone like UCLA’s Paul Perkins or Notre Dame’s C.J. Prosise could be available. Louisiana Tech’s Kenneth Dixon might be a steal.

At offensive line, you’re hoping to both hit the deepest part of the class and find the players who fit your system still on the board. Washington State’s Joe Dahl is a very nice fit, with experience at guard and tackle. There are two LSU lineman projected to go in this area: Vadal Alexander and Jerald Hawkins. The problem now is the Eagles will again be off the clock for quite awhile before their next pick. Western Michigan tackle Willie Beavers is another who may have to be picked here if they want him.

At cornerback Baylor’s Xavien Howard and Maryland’s Sean Davis are names often connected to Philadelphia. This would be the time to select either one.

The other direction the Eagles could go inis to draft talent at a position where they don’t quite have a need. This draft is deep in defensive lineman, one of the best classes in years, and the Birds might have a tough choice to make if someone like Illinois’ Jihad Ward is still available when they pick.

Day Three

Round Five – Pick 153

Round Five – Pick 164

Round Six – Pick 188

Round Seven – Pick 233

Round Seven – Pick 251

Now that we’ve sat through two days of drafting with only two picks to show for it, the Eagles can really get to work on day three. Just, as soon as round four is finished. The pick they obtained for Demarco Murray would have seen them make the second pick of the day Saturday had they not decided they would rather have the second pick Thursday. Go figure.

At this point, most people would consider whatever sticks to the roster a positive, and the Eagles have been better than most teams at finding late rounders who do just that. If they’re still looking for running backs – and at this point, we’re talking about running backs who will compete with Kenjon Barner, not Ryan Mathews – they could take a flyer on Georgia’s Keith Marshall or sign up for some NFL pedigree by drafting Fred Taylor’s son Kelvin Taylor from Florida.

There are several local Temple products that should go on this day, and you could make a case to see any of them on the Eagles. Tyler Matakevich would help solidify the teams depth at linebacker, and all he has on his resume is a measly 493 career tackles. Tavon Young could do the same at cornerback, and the man of the 41 bench press reps, Kyle Friend, could do the same at center, now that David Molk has retired.

Florida pass rusher Alex McCallister and Auburn cornerback Blake Countess are two more late round prospects the Birds have lately shown interest in. If you’re interested in adding another young wide receiver to the stable, you could have a look at Southern Miss burner Mike Thomas, or German star Moritz Boehringer.

Something to be happy with:

Round 1 – Pick 2: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

Round 3 – Pick 79: Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois

Round 5 – Pick 153: Joe Haeg, OT, North Dakota State

Round 5 – Pick 164: Tyler Matakevich, LB, Temple

Round 6 – Pick 188: Keith Marshall, RB, Georgia

Round 7 – Pick 233: Demarcus Robinson, WR, Florida

Round 7 – Pick 251: Jordan Lucas, S, Penn State